Defensive errors proved costly for Arsenal as they suffered their first pre-season defeat, losing 3-1 to Real Betis in a friendly at Dublin's Aviva Stadium on Wednesday.
Kick-off was delayed by 15 minutes after Betis were caught in traffic, but the Spanish side settled quickly. Rodrigo Riquelme capitalised on a Kepa Arrizabalaga error to open the scoring in the ninth minute, before Nelson Deossa doubled the lead with a long-range strike in the 26th. Piero Hincapie pulled one back with a header from a corner six minutes later, but Pablo Fornals restored the two-goal cushion following a Kai Havertz mispass just before half-time.
Manager Mikel Arteta made seven substitutions at the break, introducing Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli. Youth player Louie Copley sustained an injury in the second half. Off the pitch, Arsenal have reportedly agreed a £75 million fee with Newcastle for Bruno Guimaraes. The Gunners next face Borussia Dortmund in the Emirates Cup.